ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Har Ghar Tiranga Photo Exhibition "India@75" to be inaugurated by Union Minister Shri V Muraleedharan Tomorrow
Central Bureau of Communication  under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, will organise a Photo Exhibition - "India@75" as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav - Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, from Aug 12 to 15, 2022 at Platform No.1, Ernakulam South Railway Station.
The programme will be inaugurated by Union Minister of State for External and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan at 3 pm tomorrow, that is Aug 12, 2022 at Platform no. 1, Ernakulam South Railway Station. Shri V. Palanichamy, Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau and CBC wil be present on the occasion. The programme is being organised in association with Thiruvananthapuram Division, Southern Railway.
The Exhibition will showcase various facets of the freedom struggle. It also includes a brief on the freedom fighters from Kerala. Rare photos of Mahatma Gandhi are another attraction.
The Exhibition is open to the public till Aug 15, 2022.
You can also be a part of the programme by clicking a selfie at the 'Selfie with Flag Corner'!
Ministry of Coal
Coal Ministry signsAgreement with Successful Bidders of Eight coal mines in the ongoing auction tranche
Launch of second attempt of auction of 11 coal mines very soon: Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi
Launch of next tranche of commercial coal mines auction in Coming Months: Minister
Ministry of Coal has executed agreements with the eight successful bidders pursuant to the auction of second tranche of coal mines for commercial mining  here today.
Addressing the successful bidders, Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pralhad Joshi congratulated them for their successful participation in the auction process. The Minister stressed that the Government of India and the Ministry of Coal are on a continuous journey to reform the coal sector and unlock values for the nation’s economy. The success of these auctions will help in further strengthening the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat as it willhelp reduce India’s coal imports, the Minister added.
Shri Pralhad Joshi appealed to all the coal bearing states to facilitate the opening of allocated coal mines so that India could make use of its abundant coal resources to ensure energy security for its citizens. The Minister announced that the next tranche of commercial mines auction would be launched in October/ November 2021. The details of most of these mines are already available in public domain, and some more mines shall be added in the list. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Coal is coming out very soon with tender document for second attempt of auction of 11 coal mines in the ongoing auction tranche for the coal mines, which have received single bids.
Eight coal mines have been successfully auctioned with the winning percentage of revenue share ranging from 6% to 75.5% with an average % revenue share of ~30%.The electronic auction of these mines was conducted in the first week of August this year.
SBI Capital Markets Limited, sole Transaction Advisor to Ministry of Coal for the Commercial coal mine auction, had devised the methodology and assisted Ministry in conduct of the auction.
The mines for which these Coal Mine/ Block Production and Development Agreements were executed are Bhaskarpara, Burakhap Small Patch, Gondkhari, Jogeshwar& KhasJogeshwar, Rauta Closed Mine, Bhivkund, Jhigador and Khargaon. The Successful Bidders include Sunflag Iron & Steel Company Limited, South West Pinnacle Exploration Limited, Prakash Industries Limited, CG Natural Resources Private Limited, Adani Power Maharashtra Limited and Shreesatya Mines Pvt Ltd.
Ministry of Textiles
341.91 lakh bales of cotton production reported in 2022-23
The Union Minister of State for Textiles, Smt. DarshanaJardosh in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today informed, that the production of cotton in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh during last cotton year 2021-22  and current cotton year 2022-23 is given below:

|
|
Cotton Year
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
Uttar Pradesh|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
India
|
|
2021-22 
|
|
71.18
|
|
0.086
|
|
14.20
|
|
312.03
|
|
2022-23 
|
|
80.25
|
|
0.065
|
|
15.19
|
|
341.91
= Provisional
Source: Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption,Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and state Department of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh
State-wise exports are not monitored by the Government. However, data on consumption and export of cotton in terms of quantity and value during last three years is given below:
|
|
Cotton Year

|
|
Consumption

|
|
Export
|
|
Quantity

|
|
Value

|
|
2019-20
|
|
269.19
|
|
47.55
|
|
8,813.98
|
|
2020-21
|
|
334.87
|
|
77.59
|
|
17,914.34
|
|
2021-22
|
|
313.77
|
|
42.25
|
|
14,887.36
Source: Consumption – Committee on Cotton Production and Consumption.
Export - DGCIS, Kolkata
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Making a comeback after two-year injury break, Nitin beats self-doubt to clinch gold in boxing at the Khelo India University Games
The pugilist beat Anmol 5:0 in the 86-92kg category to win gold for Chandigarh University
Winning the gold in 86-92kg light heavyweight category in men’s boxing at the Khelo India University Games here at the Jain University Global Campus has reinstated Nitin Kumar’s confidence whose career graph nose-dived after he sustained a shoulder injury in 2019 after his silver-medal outing in Khelo India Youth Games in Pune.
Having represented India at the Youth Amateur World Championship in 2018, and a host of other international events held in Thailand, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Nitin was on the right path to achieve success in the international stage. But the injury in 2019, left him in doubt of a career in the competitive contact sport. “The injury really set me back by a few years. I was adviced to not train for almost 9 months. In 2020, when I was ready to hit the ring again, the pandemic struck and lockdown forced me to stay indoors. My hopes of a comeback remained in a limbo,” recalls Nitin, who beat Anmol of Lovely Professional University in the final.
Recalling those days when he was out of action, Nitin said: “I doubted myself and I was mentally very disturbed. When I saw my compatriots participate at the AIBA World Boxing Championship in Serbia last year, it further affected me mentally."
- also put on nearly 20 kilos during this time which meant I could no longer participate in my weight category. Those were the darkest days of my life but my family backed me a lot during this time,” an emotional Nitin said.
Having gone through months of self-doubt and struggle to reach desired form, Nitin finally feels like he is ready for bigger events. “Winning in the Khelo India University Games has brought back the lost confidence. I had not competed in any event over the past two years so winning back-to-back gold medals in Khelo India University Games and All India University Games gives me a sense of assurance that I can bounce back in the sport and look forward to represent India again. This win has motivated me to work harder and I know I can bounce back,” he said.
Next, Nitin’s aim is to reduce his weight and aim to participate in the 80kg category. He will make his next appearance in the Senior National Championship later this year and hopes for a good show at the World University Games. “I always participated in the 75kg category before my injury. Now, my aim is to work on losing weight and start competing in the 80 kg category. For my height and physique, that is the best category and I am sure of doing well,” he added.
Election Commission
Electors from Coochbehar  and Alipurduars  respectively of West Bengal to Exercise their Franchises in the First Phase of General Election
Kolkata, March 20, 2019
The first phase of General Election, 2019 in Coochbehar  and Alipurduars  Parliamentary constituencies of West Bengal will be on April 11, 2019. The notification for this was issued on March 18, 2019. According to the notification, March 25, 2019 is the last date for filing nominations. March 26, 2019 is the date for scrutiny of nominations and March 28, 2019 is the last date for withdrawal of candidatures.
This year 1809598 electors from Coochbehar  Parliamentary Constituency will exercise their franchises, out of which 940948 are male, 868632 are female and 18 are third gender electors. The total number of polling stations in this district is 2010.
In Alipurduars  Parliamentary constituency, the total number of electors this year is 1642285, out of which 831051 are male, 811208 are female and 26 are third gender electors. The total number of polling stations in this district is 1834.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Historic decision by UNESCO on World Hindi Day to have Hindi descriptions on WHC  website
The permanent delegation of India to UNESCO yesterday announced that on the occassion of World Hindi Day, UNESCO's World Heritage Centre has agreed to publish Hindi descriptions of India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites on WHC website.
Union Education and Skill Development Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan via Twitter welcomed the decision. He said that Hindi is a matter of pride for every Indian and Hindi lover. The popularity of Indian languages on the global stage is welcoming and encouraging.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
DD channel for start-ups
The Union Minster of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman said that the Government proposes to start a channel within the DD bouquet of channels exclusively for start-ups.
Presenting the Union Budget 2019-20 in Parliament today, she said that the channel will serve as a platform for promoting start-ups, discussing issues affecting their growth, matchmaking with venture capitalists and funding and tax planning. She said that this channel will be designed and executed by start-ups themselves.
The condition for carry forward and set off of losses in cases of eligible start-ups is proposed to be relaxed enabling them to carry forward their losses on satisfaction of any one of the two conditions - continuity of 51% shareholding/voting power of continuity of 100% of original shareholders. Further, the provision which allows exemption of capital gains from sale of residential property on investment of net consideration in equity shares of eligible start-up shall be extended by 2 years. The benefit will be available for sale of residential property on or before 31st March, 2021. The condition of minimum holding of 50% of share capital or voting rights in the start-up is proposed to be relaxed to 25%. The condition restricting transfer of new asset being computer or computer software is also proposed to be relaxed from the current 5 years to 3 years.
Start-ups in India are taking firm roots and their continued growth needs to be encouraged. To resolve the so-called ‘angel tax’ issue, the start-ups and their investors who file requisite declarations and provide information in their returns will not be subjected to any kind of scrutiny in respect of valuations of share premiums. The issue of establishing identity of the investor and source of his funds will be resolved by putting in place a mechanism of e-verification. With this, funds raised by start-ups will not require any kind of scrutiny from the Income Tax Department, she informed.
Ministry of Defence
Inaugural meeting of the Defence Planning Committee
The inaugural meeting of the Defence Planning Committee was held today under the chairmanship of the National Security Adviser Shri AjitDoval. Besides the three Service Chiefs, the committee comprises Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra, Expenditure Secretary Shri Ajay Narayan Jha, Foreign Secretary Shri Vijay Keshav Gokhale and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Lt General Satish Dua, who is also the Member Secretary. The members deliberated upon the geo-strategic landscape and agreed to chart a time-bound action plan in keeping with its broad mandate.
SRR/NAo/Rajib
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Cabinet approves Ex post facto on the proposal that has been approved under Rule 12 of the Government of India  Rules, 1961 for the issuance of order under section 73 of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 along with order under section 74 of the Act
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved ex post facto the orders issued by the President of India under Section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 along with order under Section 74 of the said Act.
On the recommendation of Parliament, the President issued a Declaration under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and gave assent to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Accordingly, the former state of Jammu & Kashmir has been reorganized as the new Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the new Union Territory of Ladakh on 31st October, 2019.
After coming into force of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 with effect from 31st October, 2019, the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir with Legislature and Union territory of Ladakh without Legislature. On 19th December, 2018 President’s Rule was imposed in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 356 of the Constitution of India. As Article 356 of the Constitution of India is not applicable to the Union territories the President’s Rule was revoked on 31st October, 2019.
Since the Legislative Assembly in the new UT of Jammu and Kashmir is not in existence, in order to avoid any constitutional vacuum, based on the report of the Governor of erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, a Presidential Order was issued on 31st October, 2019 under Section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 imposing President’s Rule in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
An order was also issued by the President in order to authorize expenditure out of the Consolidated fund of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir under section 74 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 on 31st October, 2019.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Ministry is promoting rural and indigenous/tribal games under the ‘Khelo India Scheme’ and through the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme: Shri Kiren Rijiju
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is running schemes for promotion of sports as well as attaining excellence in sports. These schemes include:-
- Khelo India Scheme
- Assistance to National Sports Federations;
- Special Awards to Winners in International sports events and their Coaches;
- National Sports Awards, Pension to Meritorious Sports Persons;
- National Sports Development Fund; and
- Sports Training Centres run through Sports Authority of India.
The Ministry is also promoting rural and indigenous/tribal games under the ‘Khelo India Scheme’ and through the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme. Most athletes benefitting under these schemes come from rural areas.
Details of these schemes are available in the public domain on the websites of this Ministry and the Sports Authority of India. The Schemes/policies of the Ministry and Sports Authority of India have resulted in increased mass participation in sports, improved performance of Indian athletes and teams in international sports events, creation/up-gradation of sports infrastructure facilities of international standards across the country, recognizing and incentivizing the achievements of outstanding and meritorious sportspersons.
Project proposals, when received, are sanctioned according to the parameters of the Scheme subject to their completeness, technical feasibility and availability of funds.
This information was given by Union Minister of State  for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM’s Meeting with Mr. Tony Abbott, Former Prime Minister of Australia
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Mr Tony Abbott, Former Prime Minister of Australia today.
The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences on the loss of life and property in the recent bushfires along the eastern coast of Australia.
The Prime Minister expressed happiness at the visit of Mr. Tony Abbott to India, including to the Golden Temple on the 550th year of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Parv.
The Prime Minister fondly recalled his visit to Australia in November 2014 for G-20 Summit in Brisbane, productive bilateral engagements in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne and his address to the Joint Session of the Australian Parliament.
The Prime Minister also warmly acknowledged the role of Mr. Tony Abbott in strengthening India-Australia relations.
Ministry of Home Affairs
The Union Minister for Home and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, met Smt. Draupadi Murmu in New Delhi today and congratulated her on the historic occasion of her election to the nation’s highest office
The nation, especially tribal society is over joyed and is enthusiastically celebrating her massive victory in the Presidential election
The election of the NDA candidate, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, who belongs to a common tribal family, is a proud moment for the country
Under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, I express my gratitude to NDA Allies, other political parties and Independents for voting in favour of tribal pride, Smt. Draupadi Murmu
This victory is a milestone towards realizing the resolve of Antyodaya and the empowerment of tribal society
Smt. Draupadi Murmu has reached the highest office of the nation facing difficult circumstances, it shows the immense power of our democracy
Even after so many struggles, the selflessness with which she dedicated herself in the service of the nation and society is an inspiration to all
I am sure that Smt. Murmu’s tenure as the 15th President of India will make the country proud
The Union Minister for Home and Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah congratulated Smt. Draupadi Murmu on her historic victory in the Presidential election and met her in New Delhi today on the historic occasion of her election to the nation’s highest office.
In his tweets, Shri Amit Shah said the nation, especially tribal society is over joyed and is enthusiastically celebrating her massive victory in the Presidential election. The election of the NDA candidate, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, who belongs to a common tribal family, is a proud moment for the country. I wish her all the best. This victory is a milestone towards realizing the resolve of Antyodaya and the empowerment of tribal society.
The Union Home Minister said Smt. Draupadi Murmu has reached the highest office of the nation facing difficult circumstances, it shows the immense power of our democracy. Even after so many struggles, the selflessness with which she dedicated herself in the service of the nation and society is an inspiration to all.
The Union Home and Cooperation Minister also said under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, I express my gratitude to NDA Allies, other political parties and Independents for voting in favour of tribal pride, Smt. Draupadi Murmu. I am sure that Smt. Murmu’s tenure as the 15th President of India will make the country proud.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal embarks on an official visit to Iran / UAE to visit Chabahar Port and to participate in bilateral meetings with Iranian Ministers
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH Shri Sarbananda Sonowal embarked on an official visit to Iran and UAE beginning August 18, 2022. During his visit, Shri Sonowal will be visiting the Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar, Iran and UAE including Jebel Ali Port. Chabahar Port is Country's first overseas port project. The development of Chabahar Port Project is a prestigious project of national importance.
Due to pandemic, there were less number of visits from India to Iran and vice-versa. This Ministerial visit will strengthen ties and maritime relationship between the two nations. This visit will also highlight the importance of Chabahar as a gateway for Indian trade with Europe, Russia and CIS countries. The Minister will take part in bilateral meetings with the Ministers of Road & Urban Development and Health & Medical Education of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
During this visit, a Memorandum of Understanding concerning Mutual Recognition of Seafarer’s Certificates of Competency in Unlimited Voyages between the Government of India and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is also proposed to be signed.
The Minister will also meet the Ambassadors of CIS countries based in Teheran. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal will also visit Jebel Ali Port, UAE and meet dais during the visit. Round Table meetings with Heads of Shipping/Freight Companies in UAE will also be attended by him.
Prime Minister's Office
PM remembers former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi, on his birth anniversary
PM remembers former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi, on his birth anniversary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has remembered former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi, on his birth anniversary.
"On his birth anniversary, we remember former PM Shri Rajiv Gandhi and recall his contribution to the nation", the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister's Office
PM conveys Navratri greetings
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted everyone on the occasion of Navratri.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“नवरात्रि की आप सभी को अनंत शुभकामनाएं। श्रद्धा और भक्ति का यह पावन-पुनीत अवसर देशवासियों के जीवन को सुख-संपदा और सौभाग्य से रोशन करे। जय माता दी!”
PIB Headquarters
Dak Adalat on April 28
The 90th Dak Adalat of Kerala Postal Circle will be held at 4 pm at the office of the Chief Postmaster General, Kerala Circle, Thiruvananthapuram on April 28th .
(The complaints/petitions and disputes which will be taken up in the Adalat will cover matters relating to postal services including Counter Services, Savings Bank, Money Orders etc.
Those who wish to file the cases before the Dak Adalat may send their petition/complaint in a cover superscribed "CIRCLE DAK ADALAT March 2017" addressed to Shri.M Salim Kumar, Assistant Director , O/o the Chief Postmaster General, Kerala Circle, Thiruvananthapuram - 695033.
The items for consideration in the Dak Adalat should reach the above named officer on or before 21.04.2017. Complaints & Petitions taken up in any of the previous Adalats will not be considered in the present Adalat.
Ministry of Mines
Mineral Production during April 2021 
The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for the month of April, 2021  at 108.0, was 37.1% higher as compared to the level in the month of April, 2020.
Production level of important minerals in April, 2021 were: Coal 516 lakh tonnes, Lignite 31 lakh tonnes, Natural gas  2583 million cu. m., Petroleum  25 lakh tonnes, Bauxite 1661 thousand tonnes, Chromite 636 thousand tonnes, Copper conc. 9 thousand tonnes , Gold 120 kg, Iron ore 232 lakh tonnes, Lead conc. 30 thousand tonnes, Manganese ore 218 thousand tonnes, Zinc conc. 113 thousand tonnes, Limestone 356 lakh tonnes, Phosphorite 125 thousand tonnes, and, Magnesite 9 thousand tonnes.
The production of most of the important minerals showing positive growth during April, 2021 over April, 2020 include: 1. Coal, 2. Lignite, 3.Natural Gas , 4. Bauxite, 5. Chromite. 6. Copper concentrate, 7. Gold, 8. Iron Ore, 9. Lead concentrate, 10. Manganese Ore, 11. Zinc concentrate, 12. Limestone, 13. Phosphorite. The production of Petroleum  indicated a negative growth. For the period under review, it is, however noted that due to full lockdown in April 2020, the comparison is not indicative.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets nation on the occasion of Vijayadashmi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashmi.
“विजयादशमी के पावन पर्व पर आप सभी को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।
Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami”, the Prime Minister said.